Pinole: Robbers beat restaurant workers, steal cash

PINOLE -- Three armed robbers struck a restaurant in Pinole over the weekend, beating the employees before fleeing the scene, authorities said Monday.

The men entered Chipotle Restaurant, located at 2696 Pinole Valley Road, through a back door just after closing at around 10 p.m. Sunday, police said. Once inside, the suspects pistol-whipped and beat employees before running off with cash, according to Sgt. Matt Avery. The suspects left in a tan-colored sedan, possibly an older-model Toyota, Avery said.

Police officers searched the area but did not find the suspects. The men used hooded sweatshirts to cover their faces and possibly wore masks, police said.

Anyone with information on the ongoing investigation is asked to call the Pinole Police Department Investigations Division at 510-724-8950.